550 miles is nothing. It's a day's work basically. Bring some of your favorite CD's (mine would be books on tape) and enjoy the ride.
It's only "sin city" for quilters during the week of the AQS show. Every other week it's just a "shop hop" :) Trouble? Sure. But how often will you get to shop at QIAD, Hancocks of Paducah AND don't forget the MUSEUM!!!
So, look at it from the bright side. You can go when it's cheaper - both from the perspective of the room is on the company dime and it's not AQS week so the 1000 vendors usually at the show are not there to tempt you.
And of course scope it all out to plan for your NEXT trip during AQS week!!!
Have fun.